2 research outputs found
Lumpy skin disease of cattle : an emerging problem in the Sultanate of Oman
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious
disease of cattle caused by a virus belonging to the Capripoxvirus
genus of the family Poxviridae. The purpose of this study is to
place on record the first confirmation of LSD in the Sultanate.
The disease was diagnosed and confirmed using polymerase
chain reaction, histopathology, transmission electron microscopy
and serum neutralization testing. The epizootic occurred
in 2009 involving a large number of animals and covering a
wide area including Nezwa, Alqabel, Sohar, Saham and
Burimi. Morbidity and mortality rates of 29.7 and 26.3 %,
and 13.6 and 15.4 % were observed at Nezwa and Sohar,
respectively. The clinical signs were much more severe in
Holstein–Friesian cattle compared to indigenous breeds and
were characterized by multiple skin nodules covering the neck, back, perineum, tail, limbs and genital organs. Affected
animals also exhibited lameness, emaciation and cessation of
milk production. Oedema of limbs and brisket, and superficial
lymph node enlargement were highly prominent. It is not
known from where the virus originated, or how it spread to
the Sultanate. The disease has become endemic in the country
and is liable to extend to other Gulf Cooperation Council
Countries and cause a pandemic. It is of major concern to
the Omani dairy industry. Due to the widespread presence of
screw worm, serious economic losses can follow outbreaks.South African ARChttp://link.springer.com/journal/11250hb201